Fertile vs Infertile Crested Gecko Eggs: How Tell Them Apart?

Key Takeaway:

• Crested gecko eggs require specific conditions to develop and hatch properly, including a consistent temperature and humidity level.
• Infertile eggs can be identified by their lack of development and can be discarded or used for other purposes.
• Fertile crested gecko eggs require an incubator to maintain the proper temperature and humidity levels and should be handled with care to avoid damage to the developing embryo.

Breeding crested geckos can be a rewarding and exciting experience for reptile enthusiasts.

However, it’s important to understand the different types of eggs that can be produced during the breeding process, including fertile and infertile eggs.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide on crested gecko breeding and explain the difference between fertile and infertile eggs.

It will also discuss the factors that can affect the fertility of crested gecko eggs and provide tips on how to increase the chances of producing fertile eggs.

How Can You Tell If A Gecko Egg Is Infertile?

There are a few ways to determine if a gecko egg is infertile. Here are some of the most common methods:

1. Candling: Candling is a process where you shine a bright light through the egg to see what’s inside. With an infertile egg, you will likely see no visible signs of development, such as veins or movement.
2. Floating: Infertile eggs are more likely to float in water, while fertile eggs will sink. This is because the air cell inside the egg is larger in an infertile egg, causing it to be more buoyant.
3. Time: If an egg has been incubated for a significant amount of time (usually several weeks) and has not hatched, it is likely infertile.

It’s important to note that just because an egg appears infertile does not necessarily mean it is.

It’s always best to give the egg time and continue to monitor it, as some eggs may take longer to hatch or show signs of development.

How Can You Tell If A Gecko Egg Is Fertile?

There are several ways to determine if a gecko egg is fertile:

Candling

Candling is a method where you shine a bright light through the egg to observe the embryo inside.

If the egg is fertile, you will see visible veins, a developing embryo, and movement.

Incubation

If the egg is fertile, it will begin to show signs of development within the first few days of incubation.

You may notice a visible change in the appearance of the egg, such as a darker color or a change in texture.

Hatching

If the egg is fertile and has been incubated properly, it will eventually hatch and produce a healthy hatchling.

What Does An Infertile Crested Gecko Egg Look Like?

An infertile crested gecko egg will typically look the same as a fertile egg on the outside. However, there are some characteristics that may indicate that an egg is infertile:

1. Smaller size: Infertile eggs may be smaller in size than fertile eggs.
2. Discoloration: Infertile eggs may appear yellow or discolored compared to fertile eggs.
3. Sunken or collapsed appearance: Infertile eggs may appear sunken or collapsed, as there is no developing embryo to fill the egg.
4. Lack of veins or movement: If the egg is candled, an infertile egg will not show any visible veins or movement, as there is no developing embryo inside.

What Do You Do With Infertile Crested Gecko Eggs?

If you have infertile crested gecko eggs, there are several things you can do with them:

1. Discard: If you’re sure that an egg is infertile, you can simply discard it. It’s important to dispose of eggs properly to prevent the spread of disease and to avoid attracting pests.
2. Use as a food source: Infertile crested gecko eggs can be used as a food source for other reptiles, such as bearded dragons or monitors.
3. Incubate and observe: Some breeders may choose to incubate infertile eggs to observe the development process and learn more about breeding crested geckos.

It’s important to note that if you choose to incubate infertile eggs, you should do so separately from fertile eggs to prevent any potential contamination or spread of disease.

Additionally, it’s important to follow proper incubation procedures and monitor the eggs closely to ensure that they do not become a health hazard or attract pests.

How Do You Know When A Crested Gecko Egg Is About To Hatch?

There are a few signs that a crested gecko egg is about to hatch:

1. Pipping: Pipping is when the hatchling begins to break through the eggshell. You may notice a small crack or hole in the eggshell where the hatchling is starting to emerge.
2. Movement: As the hatchling begins to move inside the egg, you may be able to see movement through the eggshell.
3. Darkening of the egg: The egg may begin to darken or become more translucent as the hatchling moves around inside.
4. Audible chirping: In some cases, you may be able to hear chirping or vocalizations from the hatchling inside the egg as it prepares to hatch.

It’s important to note that not all eggs will hatch at the same time, and some hatchlings may take longer than others to emerge.

Additionally, the hatching process can take several hours or even days, so it’s important to be patient and avoid disturbing the eggs or hatchlings during this time.

Once the hatchling has emerged from the egg, it’s important to provide proper care and housing to ensure that it grows and develops properly.

Do Geckos Lay Infertile Eggs?

Yes, geckos can lay infertile eggs. Infertile eggs are eggs that have not been fertilized by a male gecko and therefore cannot develop into a viable embryo.

Female geckos will typically lay eggs regardless of whether or not they have mated with a male. This is because female geckos will often produce eggs in response to hormonal changes, regardless of whether or not they have mated.

In fact, female geckos can lay infertile eggs even if they have never been exposed to a male gecko.

It’s important to note that geckos may also lay infertile eggs if they have mated with a male but the male’s sperm was not viable or if the egg was damaged during development.

Additionally, some environmental factors, such as improper temperature or humidity, can also lead to the development of infertile eggs.

Do Crested Gecko Eggs Need An Incubator?

Yes, crested gecko eggs require an incubator to properly develop and hatch.

The eggs need to be kept at a specific temperature and humidity level in order to develop properly, and an incubator is the most reliable way to maintain these conditions.

The ideal temperature for incubating crested gecko eggs is between 75-82°F (24-28°C), with a humidity level of around 70-80%.

The incubation period typically lasts around 60-90 days, depending on the specific temperature and humidity conditions.

It’s important to use a reliable incubator that can maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level throughout the incubation period.

You should also regularly monitor the temperature and humidity levels to ensure that they remain within the appropriate range.

Additionally, it’s important to handle the eggs with care and avoid jostling or rotating them excessively, as this can damage the developing embryo inside.

Summary

Crested gecko eggs require specific conditions to properly develop and hatch, and it’s important to provide them with the proper care and environment to ensure their success.

Infertile eggs can be identified by their lack of development and can be discarded or used for other purposes, while fertile eggs require an incubator to maintain the proper temperature and humidity levels.